Premier Cricket 2018-19: Essendon captain Clint McKay driven to reward club which kickstarted his career

Clint McKay says leading Essendon’s pursuit of a drought-breaking Premier Cricket flag has been an opportunity to give back to the club which helped launch his international career.

Clint McKay has taken over as Essendon captain this summer.

Clint McKay says leading Essendon’s pursuit of a drought-breaking Premier Cricket flag has been an opportunity to give back to the club which helped launch his international career.

The 35-year-old, who played one Test and 59 one-day internationals for Australia, has taken over from top-order batsman Aaron Ayre as Bombers skipper this summer.

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McKay took 105 wickets in two seasons at Essendon to earn a Victorian debut in 2006, before embarking on a successful first-class and Twenty20 career.

“Essendon Cricket Club has been fantastic for me over the years and it’s 17-18 years they have really helped me out and helped me achieve what I have achieved,” McKay said.

“It’s my chance now to actually give back to some of these younger guys coming through. “(There’s) some very exciting players in Connor Rutland, Liam Bowe, James Ryan and these sort of guys that I think have got a big future in the game.

“Help guide them through and hopefully they have a successful career.”

Clint McKay poses in his Essendon colours back in 2007.

Clint McKay celebrates a wicket for Australia during his one-day international career.

The ex-Aussie seamer, who took 102 international wickets, revealed he considered retirement before returning to Essendon intent on ending the club’s 49-year wait for First XI success.

“If I didn’t think we were a chance with the squad we have then I probably would have changed my decision to play again,” he said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for this group to really stamp our authority on the competition and move forward like we know we can.”

McKay remains an important member of an Essendon bowling attack led by spearhead Matt Doric.

He said greater consistency would be the difference between the Bombers being a genuine contender or finals spectator this summer.

“We have played some very good cricket,” he said.

“But also, we’ve had some disappointing days as well. I think our group is probably a little bit inconsistent at the moment.

“If we can sort that out and make sure the game between our best and worst is not quite as steep, I think we are going to be in a very good position come Christmas time and really give it a good nudge at the back end of the season.”

Essendon’s Round 8 Premier Cricket match against Ringwood starts on Saturday.

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